Does Rhode Island require SR22 insurance?
Effective July 18, 2018, the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles will no longer require, and will no longer accept, SR-22 financial responsibility filings.
Any motorist who currently has the SR-22 requirement will be released by the DMV effective July 18, 2018. Notice of the release will be mailed to each motorist at the address currently on file with the DMV.
The DMV requests that insurance companies allow their insureds to immediately cancel their SR-22 financial responsibility filings effective July 18, 2018. The requirement to provide a notice of cancellation to the DMV at least ten days prior to the cancellation of the filing is hereby waived. Insurers are encouraged to proactively reach out to insureds providing notice of the cancellation of the SR-22 filing effective July 18, 2018 as well as initiate any adjustments in premiums as appropriate resulting from such cancellations.
Please call 401-462-5705 if you need further information.
Rhode Island Auto Insurance Requirements
The state of Rhode Island requires liability insurance to protect other drivers in the event of an accident. The minimum limits are:
- $25k Per Person Bodily Injury
- $50k Per Accident Bodily Injury
- $25k Property Damage
While these limits are minimum they are rarely recommended levels of coverage. Ask your insurance agent what they recommend based on your financial position.
Suspended License Information
Each case is different in Rhode Island and must be handled on a case by case basis. For more information on your specific case contact the Division of Motor Vehicles Operator Control Division at (401) 462-0800. Questions in writing may go to:
RI Division of Motor Vehicles
Operator Control
600 New London Ave
Cranston, RI 02920
Suspended license reinstatement fee schedule:
Suspended license - $76.50 to $151.50
Suspended license for DUI or refusal to chemical test - $76.50 to $351.50
Suspended registration - $51.50 to $251.50
*A technology surcharge of $1.50 is applied to each reinstatement fee.
Make payments in cash, check or money order to RI Division of Motor Vehicles.
RI Division of Motor Vehicles
Operator Control
600 New London Ave
Cranston, RI 02920
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Rhode Island
Driving laws exist to protect the public and one of the most deadly driver related causes is driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Rhode Island has laws in place to arrest drivers who are over the limit:
- All drivers with blood alcohol concentration of .08% or higher
- All drivers under age 21 with blood alcohol concentration of .02% or higher
- All commercial drivers with blood alcohol concentration of .04% or higher
When a law enforcement officer suspects you of DUI he/she will ask you to submit to a chemical test of your blood, urine or breath. In this test the officer is looking for BAC limits above the state law limit.
What if I refuse to take the chemical test for BAC?
Upon refusal your license will be suspended for 90 days and you may be subject to community service, fines, and drunk driving school or alcohol treatment. You can still be convicted of a DWI if the arresting officer convinces the court you were intoxicated at the time of refusal.
Required to get an Ignition Interlock Device?
The ignition interlock program is designed for those drivers who have been convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol. The IID must be installed in each vehicle you operate and the costs are your responsibility.
Where can I get an ignition interlock device installed in RI?
For the full list of approved providers click here.
